Written Answers Friday 1 June 2007

Scottish Executive

Air Services

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make with a view to ensuring that FlyBe maintains a three flights per day schedule from Inverness to Gatwick.

Stewart Stevenson: In discussion with the Scottish Executive Flybe has confirmed that it is fully committed to maintaining at least the current three return flights per day service on the Inverness to London Gatwick route.

Building Standards

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to revise building standards.

Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. His response is as follows:

  Following the revisions introduced on 1 May this year, work has begun on the next major revisions.

Employment

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to attract jobs and investment to North Ayrshire.

Jim Mather: We place great importance on attracting jobs and increasing investment throughout Scotland, including North Ayrshire.

  Together with the local authority, training agencies, the voluntary sector, Communities Scotland and other local partners, Scottish Enterprise is making a significant contribution to the Ayrshire economy by increasing employment and economic development opportunities.Examples of such support for North Ayrshire include: workforce development, the Lochshore project on the site of the former Glengarnock Steel Mill, Ayrshire Innovation Centre, the Clyde Marina/Ardrossan Harbour project and the Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company.

Ferry Services

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will discuss with Caledonian MacBrayne a reduction of passenger and vehicular ferry fares to Arran and Cumbrae for both islanders and visitors and the financial package to be put in place to deliver such a reduction.

Stewart Stevenson: The Executive is in regular discussion with CalMac Ferries Ltd on a range of matters. However, there are no plans, at present, to discuss a reduction in ferry fares to Arran and Cumbrae. The Executive does, however, recognise concerns regarding the affordability of ferry travel. We are committed to commissioning a study into Road Equivalent Tariff and we will announce shortly our plans for that study.

Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will use the "Quality Adjusted Life Year" method to measure health benefits when determining future investment in the NHS.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) is one of a number of methods which can be used to measure health benefits when deciding on priorities for expenditure in the NHS. Different approaches are relevant in different circumstances.

  The QALY provides an estimate of the extra quantity and quality of life provided by a healthcare intervention, combined within a single measure. Estimates of cost per QALY are often used, for example, in cost-effectiveness studies of new drug treatments or health care interventions.However, the QALY alone cannot form the basis of prioritisation of expenditure across the whole of the NHS. Estimates of QALYs are not available for every potential health care intervention or preventative approach, so there are limits to the possible coverage of this approach. Moreover, other factors such as population health needs and local priorities must be considered as well.

Housing

Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can now provide a timescale for second stage transfer of Glasgow Housing Association housing stock.

Nicola Sturgeon: I intend to use the next few weeks to review the progress Glasgow Housing Association has made in delivering on the original promises to tenants and to consider the way forward.

NHS Boards

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any persons will not be eligible to stand for direct election to NHS boards.

Nicola Sturgeon: We will consider all the issues, including eligibility for election, relating to direct elections to NHS boards and will consult on proposals when we are ready to do so.

NHS Hospitals

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what services it considers to be core hospital services.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to any presumption against centralisation of core hospital services, which services are guaranteed to remain in service and which may be considered for closure.

Nicola Sturgeon: There is no definitive list of core services although our manifesto expressly included accident and emergency and maternity services as services that the public would expect to have local access to. Of course, all services must be able to be delivered safely and sustainably within available resources.

NHS Hospitals

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many fast-track diagnostic and treatment centres will be built; where such centres will be built, and what the estimated cost is of building each centre.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how any new fast track diagnostic and treatment centres will be funded.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any current NHS facility, including accident and emergency centres, will be closed as a result of investment in any new fast-track diagnostic and treatment centres.

Nicola Sturgeon: We will work closely with NHS boards to ensure that the NHS provides responsive, efficient services that put patients first and ensure that they are treated as quickly as possible. As part of that, and in line with our manifesto commitment, we will be considering the contribution that fast-track diagnostic and treatment centres can make.

NHS Hospitals

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether private health care providers will be used to meet any legally binding waiting time guarantee.

Nicola Sturgeon: We will consult on proposals to introduce individual waiting time guarantees in due course.

NHS Hospitals

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure independent scrutiny of NHS board plans prior to consultation.

Nicola Sturgeon: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35 on 31 May 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search .

NHS Hospitals

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to give patients a choice of hospital for their treatment.

Nicola Sturgeon: Our discussions over the coming months with NHS boards and other organisations over how to further reduce waiting times for the benefit of patients will include consideration of giving patients a choice of hospital of treatment.

NHS Waiting Times

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give every patient a legally binding waiting time guarantee for drug detoxification and rehabilitation services.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give every patient a legally binding waiting time guarantee for infertility treatment.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what legal action will be taken if any patient’s waiting time guarantee is not met.

Nicola Sturgeon: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-34 on 31 May 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search .

Planning

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its top objectives are for the land use planning system.

Stewart Stevenson: The primary objectives for the Scottish planning system are, as set out in SPP1 (Scottish Planning Policy 1: The Planning System), to:

  set the land use framework for promoting sustainable economic development;

  encourage and support regeneration, and

  maintain and enhance the quality of the natural heritage and built environment.

  The passage of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 was the first step in a modernisation process aimed at creating a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable planning system that is fully fit for purpose. Immediate priorities are now focussed on implementing the act and realising a change in culture among planning professionals and other stakeholders in the planning system. Priorities include the introduction of secondary legislation and policy to regulate and guide the revised working of the development planning and development management systems, and the preparation of the second National Planning Framework.

Public Transport

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its top objectives are for public transport, roads, rail services and air and ferry services.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government plans to utilise fully the current road and rail networks, deliver a replacement Forth crossing as soon as practicable and take forward key improvements to nationally significant trunk routes. We will improve services for Scotland’s rail commuters, with an aim to providing more space, more frequent services and faster journey times. We will work towards ensuring that Scotland has a comprehensive bus network where sustainable bus services are delivered to a high quality. We will promote and encourage an extension of Scotland’s international air connections and we will improve accessibility to Scotland’s most remote communities by continuing to support the air discount scheme and lifeline ferry services.

  As a first step, we have already announced that we will remove tolls from the Forth and Tay Bridges.

Public Transport

Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the re-opening of the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway line for passenger use.

Stewart Stevenson: City of Edinburgh Council is refreshing the business case into the reopening of the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR) line for passenger use. Recent discussions have taken place between Transport Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council officials where it was agreed that the business case should also include consideration of the impact on capacity at Waverley station and the extent to which allocating paths to ESSR trains would impact on implementing wider aspirations.

Renewable Energy

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will determine the application by Scottish Power for a wind farm at Harestanes and Ae forest in Dumfries and Galloway.

Jim Mather: Ministers will determine the Harestanes application after full consideration of all material issues, including the findings of the public local inquiry which we expect to receive in June 2007.

Renewable Energy

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that no wind turbines are erected in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

Jim Mather: It is for developers to propose the location of wind farms. Subsequent applications for planning permission or for consent under the Electricity Act are subject to consultation requirements and authorities determining an application must fully consider all material issues relevant to the proposals, including local authority development plans and relevant guidance. Consequently, consultees’ responses including any views of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Authority and representations from members of the public are considered as part of the overall determination process.

Road Accidents

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many accidents involving deer hitting vehicles on Scottish roads led to injuries or fatalities in each year since 1999.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Executive Road Information System (SERIS) Accident database does not hold information specifically regarding deer-related collisions as personal injury accident reports rarely record this.

  A UK research project between 2000-06 indicated that there were around 70 accidents in Scotland, although this figure is based on incomplete data from various sources and cannot be considered completely accurate.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more information if required.

Roads

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review current plans for improvements to the A75, A76 and A7.

Stewart Stevenson: The current investment programme to 2012 will see the delivery of almost £21 million investment in the A75, A76 and A7. The Strategic Transport Projects Review will also examine the longer term needs of Scotland’s nationally strategic transport network to develop the investment plan for 2012 to 2022.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted if required.

Roads

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the M74 northern extension to be completed.

Stewart Stevenson: We expect the M74 Completion scheme to be complete and open to traffic in 2011.

Roads

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many new jobs it estimates will be created in the west of Scotland in the first five years after completion of the M74 northern extension as a direct result of its completion.

Stewart Stevenson: There is no assessment for the first five years but it is estimated that up to 25,000 jobs will be created in the West of Scotland by 2030 following the completion of the M74.

Roads

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what level of additional investment it estimates will be made in the west of Scotland in the first five years after the completion of the M74 northern extension.

Stewart Stevenson: The information requested is not available. Estimates and projections of the economic benefits of the scheme have been made based on new jobs created to the area during the construction and following completion of the M74 and benefits to users of the road network.

  I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-64 on 1 June 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

Roads

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for upgrading the A737.

Stewart Stevenson: The current investment programme to 2012 will see the delivery of £7.25 million investment in the A737. The Strategic Transport Projects Review will also examine the longer term needs of Scotland’s nationally strategic transport network to develop the investment plan necessary for 2012 to 2022.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted if required.

Scottish Enterprise

Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed Scottish Enterprise’s plans to introduce a new computer system at a cost of up to £7 million and whether such spending represents value for money for the taxpayer.

Jim Mather: The introduction of a new computer system would be an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise to consider within the powers and subject to the requirements of its financial framework and the Scottish Public Finance Manual .

Scottish Water

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its top objectives are for Scottish Water.

Stewart Stevenson: Ministers specified a set of requirements for Scottish Water in February 2005 following a robust stakeholder led and evidence based process. These requirements cover the period 2006-14 and include a wide range of service and environmental improvements. Our objective for Scottish Water for 2006-10 is to outperform the regulatory settlement by delivering these requirements within the level of resources determined in November 2005 by the independent economic regulator, the Water Industry Commission.

Transport

Mr Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to enhance the road and rail infrastructure of North Ayrshire.

Stewart Stevenson: We are investing £40 million in the trunk road infrastructure in North Ayrshire including the completed A78 "Three Towns Bypass" (Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenson), four improvements schemes on the A737 and a study of the traffic problems affecting Dalry which will feed into the Strategic Transport Projects Review.

  On rail we have an aspiration to lengthen trains to Ayrshire, including Prestwick Airport and to operate an additional hourly service on the Ayr route.

  Future options for investment in the trunk road and rail network will be considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review which is examining the needs of the national strategic transport corridors throughout Scotland. The review is due to report in summer 2008.

Transport

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its top objectives are for transport policy and delivery.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Executive’s priorities for transport are:

  full utilisation of the current rail and road networks;

  delivering the right infrastructure for business success, and

  a focus on the needs of Scottish commuters, working to make journeys greener, safer and easier.

  As a first step, we have already announced that we will remove tolls from the Forth and Tay Bridges.

Transport

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any changes are expected to the remit or timing of the Strategic Transport Projects Review.

Stewart Stevenson: The Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) commenced in August 2006 and is due to report during summer 2008. This review will identify a programme of transport interventions for 2012 to 2022 that will tackle congestion, improve connections and reduce journey times. We have no plans to change the scope or the reporting arrangements for the Strategic Transport Projects Review which is progressing well and is on schedule.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more information, if required.